Ok, so we all know what a mid-pricer is, the majority of us frown upon them and banish them to a dark room to sit in the corner and listen to nothing other than Justin Bieber until their balls shrivel up into their mouths and… (ok, I’m sure you get the picture).

I’ll keep this short and sweet. I’ve picked what I believe are, the juiciest mid-priced players from each club and compiled a list with a few stats to hopefully throw a few spanners in to the works for your Dream Team. I’ve even decided while writing this list, to make a team with all these players and then adding the best guns and rookies around them and leaving myself a few dollars in the piggy bank in case, like the majority of times happens, a mid-pricer fails.

The team is called: Mid Priced Mayhem. I’ll also do a small write up each week regarding these players (and any other sneaky ones that have missed out on this list). If anyone is keen to actually see the team, feel free to post a message and I’ll put it up.

Hope this entices some of us to try something a little new in 2011, best of luck.

Adelaide – Chris Knights (FWD) $221,900

Booming down a wing and thumping a 55 metre left foot shot through the goals. Those are the images I remember of Chris Knights in 2009 and those are the images I picture in 2011. This guy can play, he’s footy smart, hard at it and loves a goal. At only $221,900, he has got to be a consideration for your forward line. He doesn’t just sit in the forward 50, this guy goes up the ground and brings it home. Bring it home for me Knightsy!

Brisbane – Jed Adcock (DEF) $262,500

Now Jed, it’s time you knuckled down and helped that struggling Brisbane outfit out and show the league you’re an A-Grader here to stay. So let’s look at the stats. 2007, what a year, he didn’t miss a game and averaged 88. Not bad for an investment of $158,600. Dropped off in 2008 but pushed his average back up around 85 again in 2009. We are all going to let 2010 slip (like the majority of this list). May the force be with you Jed(i). I am backing you in.

Carlton Blues – Chris Yarran (FWD) $249,700

I’ll be honest, I am finding this hard to type. Chris Yarran? Well, as the fellow below me suggests, reinventing a sneaky half forward into a damaging half-back is all the rage (Cyril Rioli also comes to mind). The talk around the Blues is Mr Yarran has stepped up a notch and loves his new found role, which to be honest, is looking like suiting him to a tee!!

Collingwood – Leon Davis (FWD) $266,700

Has he been reborn? Mick Malthouse told him at the end of last year he needed to reinvent himself, suggested he had a crack down back and so far, look out! Looked sensational in the 1st half vs. Essendon in the NAB Cup Grand Final. Will he stay down and cement his spot off half-back? Or will this deteriorate and he will go back to his old ways up forward? I believe more magic is to come.

Essendon – Michael Hurley (DEF/FWD) $264,900

What a presence, what skill. Is it enough to be a good dream teamer? Never. But, the proposition of having Hurley in your team as a DPP with his talent and his price is oh so tempting. Hird loves him, the Bomber faithful get excited by him and I personally think this guy is bound to break out soon. Yes I am sure a lot of you think Zaharakis should be on my list, well that’s where I disagree, way too many mid-fielders with more ability at Essendon for my liking. Want to be unique? Grab Hurley now.

Fremantle – Rhys Palmer (MID) $309,500

In 2008 this rookie dominated, we found out he can play. 2009 was a year Rhys wants to forget and 2010 he was still trying to find his feet. But a little birdie or two has told me that Rhys killed Pre-Season, ripped it’s head off, spat it out and ripped it’s head off again, if that’s possible. With Mr Barlow out injured and Fremantle blooding some more youth, Rhys Palmer will dominate this year, he should not be looked past at all. Yes he is an expensive Mid-Pricer, but I don’t care. Nat Fyfe is unlucky to miss out as he will improve this year, but get on Palmers train quick, its moving fast!

Geelong – Mitchell Duncan (FWD/MID) $278,200

This team (and St Kilda) did my head in the most deciding on a player. I am not sold on Mitchell, but since Gary left for sunnier pastures, someone has to step up, right? The fact he is a DPP is also very handy and he’s pre-season form has been red hot. I am not a brave enough man to put him in my real team, but he gets a gig by default in the Mid Price Marvels. Does he get a gig for your team?

Gold Coast – Josh Fraser (RUC) $228,400

Warne Dawgs man. And quite a good reason too. The 1999 number 1 draft pick fell out of the Collingwood team due to the Magpies structure changing, carrying a bad knee and the acquisition of Jolly and Leigh Brown. At this price and up at the Gold Coast, he will flourish. He is a guaranteed lock, can sneak up forward and will improve from his 2 previous seasons. Pick him, you’d be silly not too!

Hawthorn – David Hale (FWD/RUC) $184,800

The poor man’s Petrie. So you’re missing the extra $20,000 and really can’t be bothered rearranging your team? Then Hale is your man. Moved from the Kangaroos, has had a solid pre-season and is looking quite the handy player at the Hawks. Will he score ok considering the Hawks’ talent? Only time will tell, but if your game as having him as your 3rd ruck, then it just may pay off.

Melbourne – Ricky Petterd (FWD/MID) $286,500

After watching the final instalment of DT Talk Pre-Season 2011 I just had to put this guy in. Is he lying? Or was Garland? Who cares, Ricky is a legend! Also watching him single-handedly carve up my Magpies in their 1 point loss to us early last season, I couldn’t overlook him. He is a dream team suited style player? I honestly don’t believe he is, yet. But, I sure as hell want him to be!

North Melbourne – Drew Petrie (FWD/RUC) $209,700

Ok, the number one duck on everyone’s radar (prior to him getting suspended) is North Melbourne’s FWD/RUC – Drew Petrie. At $209,700 and also a handy DPP he has got to be considered in just about every dream team. Just take a look at the stats, as Roy states, he can easily be a keeper! Missing only 2 games in the 6 years prior to 2010, wow. I don’t care if you cleaned up a bloke or that your team is sipping on fruit juice in Round 3. I’m putting money on Drew having a great year! Just make sure you have cover for him (and Cam Richardson) in Rounds 1 and 3.

Port Adelaide – Robbie Gray (FWD) $282,400

I can feel DT coaches cringe at looking at his name alone. Hell, I am even contemplating putting Daniel Motlop’s name in the Port Adelaide section. But there is no denying Robbie Gray’s ability and you can’t doubt the word on the street? Can you? If your game, you will fail. If you’re not game, he will teach you a lesson. Either way you don’t win. But it’s so god damn tempting!!

Richmond – Nathan Foley (MID) $235,900

My old man (who is a mad Collingwood supporter like me) does not shut up about Nathan Foley. What makes him so special? This guy is a hard, smart and complete footballer. He is a guy similar to Joel Selwood who everyone player and supported needs on their team. Ever since the old boy talked him up, I have kept a close eye on him, and I must agree. He isn’t flashy, but he gets the ball and gets the job done. I expect to see him in many teams at the start of 2011, and I hope for Nathan’s sake, he becomes a keeper. Or I will be paying my old man a visit and asking for one his trades.

St Kilda – David Armitage (MID) $294,800

It must be so painful to play at the Saints. This guy could get a gig for most teams regularly but seems to own the emergency list at the Saints. Come on Ross Lyon, give the kid a break! I don’t see his name in the papers? If you want to have another crack at a flag, then some things must change, and I reckon it would start by giving David 22 games this year. Pull the trigger Ross, because the land of Dream Team wants to as well.

Sydney – Mark Seaby (RUC) $218,600

Ankle. The only word I can describe Seaby’s year last year that does not contain an explicit. You scored 2 points and did your ankle, are you serious? Could you have possibly shattered your pelvis during a freak accident in warm-up? Fallen out of your car and rupturing your ACL before the game? No, of course not, dream team wrecker. But all is forgiven if you can please not repeat that this season. But, are we willing to take the risk again in 2011? Grab a magic 8-ball and go from there!

West Coast – Daniel Kerr (MID) $196,800

What has happened to you. Judd’s leaves, Cousins flee’s and you, disappear?! Ok, I know that’s unfair, you copped a tag each week, lost your cool and thought you would turn into Jet Li and let those taggers know you weren’t a fan. But this is the AFL and your Daniel Kerr. Get over it! Get those other Eagles to lend you a hand, find the bloody footy and be the player we all know you are. Oh, and take care of your hamstrings, cause the first person to do their hammy in my dream team this year, gets a visit from the amputee specialist.

Western Bulldogs – Justin Sherman (MID) $277,700

Wave those fingers Sherman all the way to the Bulldogs. Smart move I say. Actually, a masterstroke. The HMAS Brisbane has gone bust and the Bulldogs are a legitimate finals contender. I rate this bloke, he has lots of run, kicks a few goals and will only improve with the quality around him. It’s more of a matter of if he can find enough of it with the deep talented midfield of the Bulldogs. I think he will have a great year, but will you run the risk?

Other noteable Mid-Pricers:

Andy Otten (DEF) – ADEL $142,400

Nathan Krakouer (DEF) – GC $208,800

David Zaharakis (FWD/MID) – ESS $295,500

Mitch Morton (FWD-MID) – RICH $315,300

Nathan Fyfe (FWD/MID) – FREO $282,900

MID PRICED MAYHEM: The Team

So here it is. My different take on season 2011. While this is not my “real” team, it’s a team I will be definitely be paying a lot of attention to and taking very seriously. The best part about this team is that I still have 24 trades like everyone else and I have a whole lot of versatility. Fingers crossed my 16 “named” players get a Round 1 gig (obviously Petrie is suspended).

In the bank:$140,100

It contains DPP links in all areas, has loads of cover on the bench and a couple of captain options in Swan and Goddard. The ruck department is quite interesting with 5 options! Be very interesting to see how this team pans out after a few rounds or so. Anyways, lots of discussion to be had!

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Guys what are you thoughts on me trading pendles down to foley and after round 7 trading foley back to pendles seeing though my current premium mids are swan,boyd, pendles + unique premium. With the left over cash 284k, i might just keep it in the bank.

Leave pendles mate seeing as in general your earlier rd scores will be a bit lower as some rookeis will play and some wont as well as some players finding their feet… early points is pretty important especially if u r going for overall so stick with it dude

I seriously considered Sidebottom for a long time, was in my team for a period. Didn’t impress me much in the pre-season, although Coll seemed to be going at it pretty half-assed and still won it. (Scary when you think about it). Gone Bernie and Foley for my reduced midfield ranks. Prob would of went Sidey and Pendles if their were no byes to worry about.

Looking at Walker in the forward line too. I love the mid-priced strategy, adds a real gamble to your team. Will go Guns/Rooks in SC though. See which works better!

I think some mid-pricers are a solid pick this year that arent in the article.
Josh P. Kennedy (Sydney)
Steven Salopek
Trent Cotchin
Leroy Jetta
Tyrone Vickery
Bachar Houli
Jeremy Laidler
Personally i would have any of these in my team around some rookies and guns.
Was so gutted when Levi Greenwood went down.

Spoke to stewie dew on the weekend (he’s currently a defense coach for sydney ) re: sydney dream team potential..he said get on everitt as he will play all year if uninjured and is basically replacing malceski’s role, add to that he had a good preseason. He said to get off seaby, mumford with be promary ruck. Also said josh kennedy was another one to look out for..should get lots fo midfield time this year.